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Fabian Delph had sunk to sixth place in Pep Guardiola's midfield pecking order and was seemingly on his way out of the Etihad, but he still believed chances to embed himself in the Manchester City team would come his way.

Into the third month of the season and thoughts of a summer move to Stoke, or indeed, anywhere else are long forgotten.

Seven consecutive starts and a string of rave reviews show he has gained Guardiola's trust in one of City's key positions.

It is not midfield, but left-back where the 27-year-old has become a regular fixture. The loss of new signing Benjamin Mendy, out until spring with a knee injury, is not being felt as keenly as originally feared around east Manchester.

Delph was a bit-part player last season, making just seven appearances in midfield, usually whenever Fernandinho or Yaya Toure were in need of a rest.

But having played full-back at previous clubs Leeds and Aston Villa, the left-footer had another important string to his bow.

Delph had deputised ably for the injured Benjamin MendyCredit:
REUTERS

City spent heavily on a new pair of full-backs in the summer to improve an area of the team crucial to the Pep Guardiola game-plan.

Mendy and Kyle Walker brought immediate pace, physicality and attacking threat and, since the former Monaco defender's incapacity, Delph has maintained the impetus down City's left flank. The big test was at Chelsea recently where Delph caught the eye with an outstanding display in City's notable 1-0 success.

This was all on show against a lively Burnley side, who showed plenty of combative instinct and attacking intent at the Etihad. It was Delph's crisp tackling deep in his own half that enabled City to launch several counter-attacks, one of which, seconds before the interval, almost led to Bernardo Silva doubling the home lead.

Guardiola also wants his full-backs tucking in, augmenting midfield, which comes naturally to Delph, who has also developed an understanding with his attacking team-mates.

This weekend it was Leroy Sane, who often found Delph popping up on his outside to lend an option.

This is all good news for England, looking for defensive alternatives and midfield anchormen for next year's World Cup. The fact that Delph can do both to great effect means the chances of him adding significantly to his nine caps is rising by the week.

The Verdict

Moment which changed the match

Burnley provided stout opposition, in stark contrast to several recent visitors to the Etihad, and it was not until the 73rd minute, when Nicolas Otamendi powered home a header, that City fans began to breathe easy.

Most influential player

There is brilliance all around him but David Silva remains at the hub of City's whirlwind of creativity.

Crowd rating

A far closer contest than recent league matches at the Etihad, at least until the closing stages, reflected in good noise from the Burnley contingent. 6/10

Referee rating

Burnley felt aggrieved that Roger East awarded Bernardo Silva a penalty for what appeared to be the merest touch by goalkeeper Nick Pope. 5/10

Match rating

Decent contest with Burnley showing many good things but City were once again devastatingly effective. 6/10